European Commission

Project Nº 2015/362919

Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP

Draft Monitoring Report: Norwegian Peoples Aid (NPA) Period covered: 2 to 10 December 2015

Prepared by Angus Graham and Omotayo Alabi on behalf of

Cardno Emerging Markets (UK) Ltd Lead Member of Cardno Consortium

This TA is funded by The European Union TA implemented by CARDNO

1

KEY DATA

Name of Project: Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP

Contractor: CARDNO EMERGING MARKETS (UK) LTD Address Oxford House, Oxford Road, Thame, Oxon, OX9 2AH, UK Phone +44 1844 216500 Fax +44 1844 261593 Web www.cardno.com/emergingmarkets

Contracting Authority: Delegation of the European Union to Republic of South Sudan

Beneficiary: Government of the Republic of South Sudan.

Start/End Date: 16.08.2015 – 13.02.2016

Primary Location: Juba, Wau and States where projects are located

DISTRIBUTION LIST FOR INCEPTION REPORT

Recipient Copies Format EU Delegation South Sudan 1 Electronic copy

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Technical Assistance Team wishes to acknowledge the full support of the staff of the Delegation of the European Union and the staff of the national stakeholder institutions engaged during the Inception Phase.

Report Quality Controlled by Michael Gutteridge, Framework Contractors’ Project Director

Signature:

This report has been prepared with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein are those of the consultants and therefore in no way reflect the official opinion of the European Union

Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP

Monitoring Report: Norwegian Peoples Aid

Period covered: 2 to 10 December 2015

Table of Contents

Abbreviations and acronyms ...... ii Project data ...... iii 1 Summary of Field Visits ...... 1 2 Key findings/Notes on project development ...... 7 3 Programme Schedule ...... 14 4 People met and activities visited ...... 15 5 Picture Gallery ...... 16

Annexes:

Annex 1 Project Summary Annex 2 Project Staff Annex 3 Work Plan: July 2015 to December 2015 Annex 4 Progress toward achieving objectives Annex 5 Challenges and follow-up actions Annex 6 Work Plan: January 2016 to June 2016 Annex 7 Operational Payam & Boma GPS Information Annex 8 Exit and Sustainability Strategy Annex 9 Logical Framework Annex 10 Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Cardno Consortium Page | i Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Abbreviations and acronyms

AETRI Agricultural Engineering and Technology Research Institute (Uganda) AFIS Agriculture and Food Information Systems APARD Africa Partnership Aid for Rehabilitation and Development ATC Animal Traction Centre CAD County Agricultural Department CAHW Community Animal Health Worker CBO Community Based Organisation CFSAM Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission COT Community Ox plough Trainers CORP Community-Owned Resource Person DG Directorate General DPM Deputy Project Manager DRR Disaster Risk Reduction EU European Union EUD European Union Delegation EUR Euro FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation FFA Food for Asset/Agriculture FFE Food for Extension FFS Farmer Field School FFW Food for Work FP Focal Point FSTP Food Security Thematic Programme GBEG Government of Bahr-El-Ghazal GIS Geographic Information System GPS Global Positioning System HH Households(??) M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MoU Memorandum of Understanding MTE Mid-Term Evaluation NALEP National Agriculture and Livestock Extension Policy NGO Non-Governmental Organisation NORAD Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation NPA Norwegian Peoples Aid PC Project Coordinator PFS Pastoralist Field Schools PO Project Officer (State) Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Cooperatives and Rural (S)MAFCRD Development SDG State Director General SEPA NGO SORUDEV South Sudan Rural Development Programme SPCRP Sudan Productive Capacity Recovery Programme SSP South Sudanese pound TA Technical Assistance ToT Training of Trainers UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization VSLA Village Savings and Loan Association WFP World Food Programme YATC Yei Agriculture Training Centre Zonal Effort for Agricultural Transformation – Bahr-el-Ghazal ZEAT-BEAD Agricultural Development

Cardno Consortium Page | ii Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Project data

General Data Contract beneficiary Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) “Strengthening Smallholder Animal Traction Capacity Project Title and Extension Services in Lakes State” Project ref. CRIS FED/2013/333-512 Date of visit 02 to 10 December 2015 Eight Counties in Lakes State: Greater Rumbek (Cueibet, Rumbek Centre, Rumbek East, Rumbek Location North and Wulu) and Greater Yirol (Awerial, Yirol East and Yirol West). Monitoring Officer Angus Graham and Tayo Alabi Start date 15 February 2014 End date 14 February 2017

Financial data

Total EC contribution € 2,000,000 (equivalent to 90% of € 2,222,222)

Total spent by Project to date (EUR) € 1,125,529

Balance of funds released to date € 885,736 Anticipated date of next Final quarter of 2015 request/release of funds Anticipated amount of next € 914,264 request/release of funds

Cardno Consortium Page | iii Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

1 Summary of Field Visits

• Introduction

NPA has been working with the communities in South Sudan since 1986. A key area of intervention since 1985 has been training of farmers on ox plough use, training Community Oxen Trainers (COTs) and establishing a blacksmith workshop in the greater Yirol counties. Over the period 1995 to 2007 NPA trained 4,313 farmers in the use of ox ploughs and 2,230 pairs of oxen were trained under the yoke.

Over the same period, 181 Community Oxen Trainers (COT) were trained and given equipment after graduation (Yirol West: 40, Rumbek East: 28, Rumbek Central: 12). Some Community ox-plough trainers have played a vital role in re-settlement and re-integration of returning refugees. Between 2002 and 2007 COTs in Yirol East County alone trained some 816 farmers.

NPA also supported the construction of rural blacksmith workshops in Mabui, Yirol West County and Mondikolok in Kajo-Keji to meet the on-going demands for maresha ox-plough; mouldboard ploughs repairs, and the fabrication of various plough parts. The two workshops were equipped with various machines and equipment and raw materials to also train other local blacksmiths. As of 2007, Mabui workshop had produced 519 mulldboard ploughs and trained over 14 local blacksmiths.

Oxfam GB implemented an EC funded livelihoods project between 2009 and 2012 in Cueibet County, Lakes State. A key intervention area included training of CAHW on animal health, provision of animal basic drugs, and training of blacksmiths and construction of a workshop where blacksmiths repaired ox-ploughs for farmers. Implementation was done in partnership with APARD, a local CBO. County Agricultural Department (CAD) staff were involved in the training of Ox plough Master Trainers and Community Animal Health Workers amongst others.

The project was designed with the creation of linkages to an EU-funded FAO market information system project (AFIS) and EU and Spanish Aid funded FAO Pastoral Field Schools (PFS) projects in mind and to build on previous initiatives such as FFS’ and PFS’ and Model projects supported by the EU funded SPCRP project. At inception NPA committed to ensure coordination among active projects in target group identification and selection, and harmonizing and building and synergies in training and input distribution activities where possible.

Currently NPA has the following active projects: Food Distribution (WFP), Vaccination (FAO), Water (Netherlands), Conflict transformation and community DRR (NORAD).

• Meetings SMAFCRD and SMARF in Rumbek

On Wednesday 02 December and Friday 04 December 2015 the monitoring team comprised of the EU-TA, Samuel Deng, Rose Dawa and John Makur (NPA) and Ezana Kassa (FAO) met with Hon. Phillip Kot Job, State Agriculture Minister (Lakes), Mr Daniel Thon, State focal point (FP) to the EU SORUDEV Programme, Ezekhiel Magkok SDG (State Director General Agriculture, and Barnaba Chol Makoy and Daniel Thon (double role) State Directors of Agriculture and Mechanisation.

The DG for agriculture and livestock highlighted the following sector issues for the attention of the participants: − The project is conducting well its work in the three areas of developing extension services, animal traction and markets. The Ministry nominated the Agriculture Director as project focal point to ensure good collaboration with NPA.

Cardno Consortium Page| 1 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

− Coordination with the SORUDEV project is proceeding smoothly. NPA is based in the premises of the Ministry, project steering committee meetings are chaired by the DG, the focus is on general activities over the past month and challenges, and the DG participates in SORUDEV quarterly review meetings. − NPA has conducted a training needs assessment, and a tool has been developed for capacity development. − Staff who are seconded to the project are kept on the Ministry payroll and will return to the government at the end of the project. The Ministry Supervisor of Animal Traction was seconded to the project because he is an experienced trainer in the use of ox ploughs and knows how to manufacture spare parts. He opened the Animal Traction Centre in Matangai that is functioning. − The project distributed motorbikes, bicycles and laptops/printers to all CAD. Some computers have not yet been installed in CADs without offices. − There has been progress in capacity building, with twenty three (23) trainers sent to Yei for extension training and now they are in the field. The support from NPA is highly appreciated. The ministry is very interested in more long-term training and highlighted this as a priority need for further assistance. The Ministry is interested to extend the level of this training up to the diploma level. − There has also been progress in training people who did not previously know how to repair ox ploughs. People were sent to Mabui for training and this has resulted in farmers getting more spare parts for their ox ploughs. − The project has established two centres for the manufacture of ploughs, each with good workers. − Ministry of agriculture has supervised closely the training of farmer groups in all counties, including 10 veterinary groups for which accounts are currently being opened. Mr Peter Majur is being replaced by Rose Dawa to lead the value chain and markets activities of the project. − An issue raised by the SDG is that NGOs have a poor track record in delivering seeds on time (often late). People are being trained in vegetable production near rivers and boreholes – these seeds need to be made available on time. − Next year NPA will provide seed producers with loans. Technical support will be needed for this activity, in order to ensure good germination and performance of the seeds. Seed stores are needed for all farmers. − Though NPA has an M&E system in place but it is yet to be rolled out and to develop the appropriate tools. − The DG raised the importance of introducing GIS mapping of activities. This is needed to register NGO partner activities and in order to advise new projects. There is a need for this kind of support in order to avoid many NGOs focusing their efforts in the same areas, e.g. Payams close to urban centres and in counties where there is peace and security. − The DG confirmed the UNIDO inclusion of support to development of the groundnuts value chain in Lakes State in its EU funded ZEAT-BEAD project, i.e. groundnut processing machines, because it is an area of surpluses of groundnuts. He also raised the need for a system of buying large quantities of crops from big farmers and distributing them as seeds, and facilitating transportation of crops for sale in Juba. − The SORUDEV project has reached half way. − EU funded FAO Pastoralist project started with ToT with Ministries of Education and Agriculture and Livestock Departments. Training is done in three categories: children of 7 to 14 years of age, youth aged 14 to 19, and adults > 29 years of age. The first group is taught in a kind of school, the second group is taught to read and write, as well as sports and cattle management, and the third group are taught income generation activities. Once an implementation work-plan has been completed, the curriculum will be discussed. The project started very well in an inclusive manner. The State Ministry invited one person to join the steering committee and nominated

Cardno Consortium Page| 2 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

one person from each county with skills in extension for training. The way the project has started it looks like it will be an excellent project. This project involves / engages ministry staff in implementation of the project and reporting. Facilitators will live in and move with the cattle camps. They will be there despite any insecurity, protected by the community.

The Minister of Agriculture and livestock highlighted the following sector issues for the attention of the participants: − The scheduled visits of the monitoring team to Yirol East and West and to Akot have been cancelled due to insecurity. Instead meetings have been arranged with groups in Rumbek Centre. − Rumbek is composed of 8 counties subdivided into a total of more than 59 Payams. The main tribes are the Dinka (99%) and the Jur. The Dinkas are of threemain groups the Agar (cattle movers) the Gok (greater Rumbek) and Atuot, Aliap, Ceic, (greater Yirol) − The main concerns are: 1) Insecurity due to conflicts related to marriages, cattle theft, water and overgrazing; and 2) Inaccessible roads (2 main roads) due to quarrels between military forces and local communities and due to flooding. The issue of security is being addressed by the State Government, while that of the roads is the responsibility of the National Government. − Currently the most secure areas are Awerial, Yirol East and West and Wulu. Insecurity is highest in Rumbek and Cueibet. − Despite daily fights and killings the project staff of NGOs are doing their work unaffected because communities appreciate the services they are providing. The teams are moving and agencies are rarely directly affected. − The Ministry of Agriculture launched a Policy Statement this year with support from the NPA. Self-reliance and import substitution of food (currently being supplied from Uganda, Kenya N. Sudan) are a national priority. The Ministry had been very active in mobilising communities to produce all they can this year, but results have been poorer than expected due to erratic rains. − Mostly farmers in the State plant 9-month duration long sorghum varieties (Harvested in Jan) and only a very few plant 3-month shorter varieties, except in Awerial where there is more short duration sorghum. Short duration sorghum yields well and allows for a double crop. Awerial is the only area in the state not affected by hunger this year. There will be a big food gap in the state next year. − In the past (50s) the State used to export groundnut, SimSim, and Sorghum, and some millet. These are still the priorities of the State. − In the past Lulu was processed for oil in all Counties except Rumbek North. The fruit is good to eat and the seed yields high quality oil for soap and cosmetics. Lulu and SimSim and maize are three areas that the State is also immediately interested in developing further. − NPA is working well together with the Ministry, and recently supported the Farming Day and Tree Planting Day Campaigns of the Ministry. NPA is most needed in assisting with Extension Training in the Counties. CAD extension workers need 1) Training and 2) Facilitation of their work (bicycles and motorbikes). Beneficiaries are happy with the work of NPA. Cooperation and coordination among staff and partners is proceeding very well. − Late delivery of seeds by NGOs is a recurring problem in the State, they need to arrive at least by Jan/Feb. If seeds arrive as late as June they will inevitably be eaten and not planted. This has occurred where agencies have not been cooperating closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and NPA in the field. The Ministry recommends to partner with an agency other than FAO in the field of seeds delivery or find a better alternative solution.

Cardno Consortium Page| 3 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

− Most seeds that have been supplied to the State have come from neighbouring countries. The policy of the Ministry is to focus on local seeds, increasing their availability and accessibility. A priority is the establishment of experimental farms to conduct field trials. This is key to improve the economic status of farmers through production of local surpluses. The Government has created a Research Department/ Office in the State Ministry. A qualified officer to be director of research is urgently needed. − Feeder roads are very important when targeting 1) Women, 2) Youth Groups affected by Conflict, 3) Returnees (considered hard working), and 4) War Heroes. New roads are needed to bring harvests to main roads, especially for groups who currently cultivate at considerable distances from any roads. They are also essential for the supply of fuel to tractors needed to expand the area under cultivation. − The recent disagreement with the Governor concerning the proposed EU funded feeder road has made the outlook difficult in this regard but the Ministry is still hopeful this could be achieved, after the introduction of the new States in which case the proposed roads in question would fall outside the mandate of the current Governor. − For the moment the priority is to extend to other areas training in the manufacture or at least the repair of ox ploughs. The Ministry of Agriculture wants every rural household to have at least one ox plough. Suppliers were offered a tax break as an incentive to import these implements, however they have not done so because they are aware that people cannot yet afford them because they are expensive to supply under the current circumstances. To date Awerial is the only area that is not using ox ploughs at all, instead they continue to use hand tools despite them having cattle. − Food gaps and insecurity continue today because the Youth no longer value farming as a way of life. In the past they worked on their family farms on a seasonal basis but these days they do not return from the cattle camps to undertake such duties. Projects targeting youth in camps are well liked by the Government, but they are sceptical about any possible successes in the absence of a thorough and complete disarmament of Gelweng youths (cattle protectors) in cattle camps. Forceful disarmament is now likely to be the only option that could work. In addition some legislation is needed concerning cattle driving, such as penalties for any damages caused. − Systems for delivery of water for agriculture production during the dry season (eg women vegetable gardens) need attention. Currently they are mostly producing on small plots using water they pump from boreholes which is a very laborious process. Good quality pumps (not Chinese) powered by solar systems are urgently needed if expansion of vegetable production is to be a sustainable. Bicycles are also needed for transporting produce to market.

• Visit to Malith Rural Blacksmith Centre in Rumbek

This workshop group has 12 members among 48 blacksmiths of which 38 have so far been trained by the project (14 were trained in Mondikolok and 24 in Mabui). Two members of the group were trained as master trainers in Uganda on use of machines and production of ox drawn implements such as ploughs, planters and weeders (sprogs, handles and mullboards). At this stage rural blacksmiths only produce ox plough spare parts.

The project foresees the production of 1200 ox ploughs over the life of the project. Currently there is a materials shortage (plates, bolts), although some thicker plate brought from Uganda is still available. Some needed materials used to be available from agro-dealers but these have ceased to become available.

Cardno Consortium Page| 4 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Some equipment is still missing such as thick sheet cutters, grinders, and drilling and welding machines. There are some specialist shops in Rumbek with machine tools that can provide some essential cutting and joining services.

Four plots of land (SSP 960 each) has been procured by the blacksmith group. The title deed map is in the process of being issued. An eight member VSLA has been formed, each member is contributing SSP 400. A bigger group of 32 people is contributing to the procurement of the land.

• Visit to Matangai Animal Traction Centre in Rumbek

This centre used to be owned by the Ministry of Agriculture, it is now owned by the County. It is located in the same compound where the NGO SEPA has worked in the past. Vegetable production by a group of women is also taking place at this location, but they have not yet started a VSLA under the project.

The development of the centre has been slow. It now has 4 staff trainers, and two buildings and a fenced area have been erected. The centre is being used to train COTS, and during the rainy season local farmers will come to the centre for training. A trainer still needs to train the other three master trainers in the use of ox drawn implements.

Since April this year a total of 42 COT and pairs of bulls have been trained in the centre, 14 from Rumbek East and North Counties, 12 from Rumbek Centre and Cueibet, and 16 from Wulu. Training is taking 9 days on average instead of the period of 3 weeks initially foreseen. Trainees are from CAD who after receiving their ToT training will train farmers i.e. the Centre’s staff train COTs who will train farmers.

Community trainers have not yet received demonstration equipment (e.g. demonstration ploughs) because these are still being manufactured. At this stage farmers come for training with their bulls and ploughs. Locally made ploughs are on sale for SSP 1200 each with agro- dealers. Local blacksmiths will eventually produce ox-drawn ploughs, weeders and planters.

In January NPA will start to complete the training of COTs, 84 in Greater Rumbek and 54 in Greater Yirol. So far 57 have been trained.

• Visit to Nyankot Women’s Farmer VSLA Groups in Rumbek

Three groups of about 30 people each named Daam (Reinforcement), Puonmit (Happiness) and Warpirich (Change in way of living) started in August 2015 who meet every Friday to contribute their savings of SSP 25 per person per week and to take loans at 20 % interest. The group is happy to make loans within the group because they know each other. This has allowed loans as high as SSP 1000. Before the start of the VSLA access to credit in an emergency was very difficult.

Registration to join the VSLA is SSP 5. Anyone wanting to join would also need to pay the equivalent contributions made to date by the other group members. Loans (typically 400 SSP + 80 SSP interest) are taken to cover medical and food expenses of sick children, school fees, vegetable seeds and hand tools, and village level trade in sugar, biscuits, and rice. Loans are paid back every 30 days. The VSLA box is used as a point of transit between deposits and loans.

The groups reported increased respect from their husbands as a result of the VSLA and greater inter household trust to visit markets. The main benefit reported was reduced worries about caring for children. Their main issues concern delivery of water for growing vegetables and the cost of agricultural implements such as watering cans, hand tools and ploughs. The

Cardno Consortium Page| 5 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

groups identified the following recurrent challenges going forward: 1) Distance from market, 2) Watering of plots, 3) Labour to work hand pumps, 4) Shortages of water 5) and 6) Insufficient seeds.

All groups produce vegetables at two water points. Plots are managed on an individual basis. Three main types of vegetables are produced: Kudura, spider plant, and pumpkin. The groups have not yet received training in vegetable production. They are growing vegetables to meet their needs. Kudura is sold in the Rumbek market as a source of income.

Next year the groups will produce cereals and groundnuts from saved seeds but individually cannot afford to buy an ox plough at the current price of SSP 1,500 although they recognised they could do this in groups of two or three persons. With 4 months ahead until the next main planting season, only 3 or 4 of the 90 members with sufficient funds to procure Ato buy a plough.

NPA was advised to bring ploughs to the various group meetings for direct procurement by the groups. ACROSS another NGO operating in the State has ordered 170 ploughs that are in the process of being delivered from Juba, which they will sell at a subsidised price of SSP 1,500. The NPA extension worker lives in the village of the three groups.

• Debriefing Meeting with SMAFCRD and SMARF in Rumbek

On Wednesday 09 December 2015 the monitoring team comprised of the EUD-TA, Samuel Deng, Rose Dawa, John Makur, Abraham Madid (NPA) and Ezana Kassa (FAO) met with Mr Daniel Thon, State focal point (FP) to the EU SORUDEV Programme, Ezekhiel Magkok SDG (State Director General Agriculture, and Barnaba Chol Makoy and Daniel Thon (double role) State Directors of Agriculture and Mechanisation.

− NPA is a friend of the Ministry of Agriculture since a very long time. Government is very happy with the progress of NPA under the project, and Government will seek to manage to address anything lacking. Ox plough training was first introduced and adapted in Lakes by NPA in 1998. A major limitation has been the availability of distributors of ploughs, consequently Government is very pleased with the progress at Matangai and Mabui. − The EUD-TA reviewed the progress made by the project in strengthening teamwork, use of government extension workers and the project steering committees; training on blacksmithing and the use of Ox ploughs, VSLA methodology and extension; development of a loan mechanism and organisation of farmer/producer group associations and inputs suppliers. − NPA was requested to prepare and submit to EUD to Juba by the end of the year (2015) the draft TORs for the project mid-tem independent evaluation. The project manager highlighted that while the project team on the ground has come up with an M&E template it would appreciate some support on its finalisation. − The project was advised to develop further the understanding and work-plan under result 3 (possibly through hosting a stakeholder forum) and seek to establish concrete linkages with UNIDO and FAO under the ZEAT-BEAD programme in this regard. − The project was also advised to place additional focus on the collection of information on the results of its activities and apply the M&E tools developed by the project with reference to the baseline, make more progress on the inclusion of more female staff in the field, considering that many of the beneficiaries are women. − NPA informed out that yield assessments have been done under the project in 32 Payams and that the report will be forthcoming. It was noted that most sorghum grown in Lakes is of the long duration variety and that the only short duration crop is groundnuts.

Cardno Consortium Page| 6 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

− The EUD-TA pointed out that the SORUDEV programme and project strategies are important to keep in mind. They raised the importance of the farmer / VSLA groups getting access to the inputs they need, ox ploughs in particular, and the importance of creating / encouraging the start of agro-dealerships. − Exchange visits to other projects in South Sudan to get some ideas on how to support agro-dealerships and producer groups have previously been recommended and should be pursued. The project was also requested to make a commitment to joint publication of the extension guide prepared under with SORUDEV programme partners in GBEG.

− NPA informed it is scheduled to receive some training by WFP on the use of GPS/GIS instruments, and also noted that although NPA has supported staff development through sending people to YATC for training, and recognises it is also important for them to learn how to do things on the ground. The government is aware the current internal and external training is not sufficient and would like to establish stronger linkages (1 to 3 year diploma) to colleges and universities but recognises there is insufficient provision for this in the NPA project budget. Based on the guidelines received at project formulation no long term studies were foreseen. NPA funded some ministry staff to attend short courses ranging from 3 months and below. NPA is also carrying out internal capacity development of the ministry staff. − − Ministry of agriculture highlighted that while all their extension workers have been trained, they wish to further extend this in the form of longer-term training. Consequently they have requested all NGOs to propose and support 2 to 3 candidates for longer-term training. − Measuring results beyond the training provided is important. This will require a slight change in mind-set and application of what has been taught. The animal traction ToT activity started in December 2014 with the development of necessary structures, consequently a season of training of farmers was lost. COTs have not yet started training of farmers on the use of ox ploughs. NPA will support all the actors to ensure the training takes place in 2016 and will collect information on the results. − Agencies involved in Relief should leave some development behind and should be mindful to at least make meaningful synergies coherent with sustainable solutions to on-going problems. NGOs and Ministry Departments collectively need to work from a common strategy that crosses the relief/rehabilitation/development guides. This should be crosscutting and multi-sector in nature considering that the rural beneficiaries are usually the same groups.

2 Key findings/Notes on project development Overall level of progress on implementation

• Animal traction component

NPA has identified 136 Community Ox Plough Trainers (COTS), 80 CAHWs, and 48 local Blacksmiths, and has recruited 8 oxen trainers, 8 workshop blacksmiths, 02 oxen keepers and 2 security guards under the animal traction component of the project. Procurement of workshop blacksmith equipment and local blacksmiths toolkits and attire is almost complete, these items are currently being transported to Rumbek from Juba.

NPA has also provided 1 weeks training to 57 COTS and 80 CAHWs on ploughing and livestock health, has sent 4 artisans and 2 oxen trainers on a three week course in Namelere, Uganda, on fabrication of tools and use of ox drawn implements, and has trained 38 blacksmiths in Mabui/Mondikolok for three weeks on the fabrication of ploughs. As a

Cardno Consortium Page| 7 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

result 28 pairs of oxen and 63 farmers were trained (60 male & 3 female) in ox ploughing. While COTS training has started there is no data yet on the number of farmers they have trained. NPA extension agents need to follow-up and get this information.

Acquisition of a plot for establishing the Malith Blacksmith workshop is nearly completed. Local authorities are issuing this week the land certificate following which suitable structures will be erected. The Mabui Ox Plough Unit is in the process (cutting, punching and pending) of producing the following parts: 100 each of Mouldboard bodies, handles, progs, supporters and wheels; about 60 handle stays, zigzags, and 20 to 30 shares and landslides.

In addition it has produced 30 axes and 20 chisels for use by the Animal Traction Centre (Mabui). Welding of a generator, a grinding mill, two plough wheels and 6 hinges were carried also carried out for customers at cost. The unit has assembled 107 ploughs, of which it sold 10 at SSP 800 each. Currently 97 assembled ploughs are available. Total projected income based on current inventory and services provided is estimated at SSP 120,000.

• Market access and value chain Component

A total of 57 VSLA groups have been formed in Lakes State with a total cumulative saving to date of 200,284 SSP by a total of 1,411 members (Male 563, Female 848). Overall SSP 189,000 of this is currently out on loan and will generate SSP 37,800 in interest earned on loans. Total social fund contributions for emergency expenditures amount to SSP 74050. All groups were trained in leadership/management skills, group byelaw development, record keeping, and village saving loan association methodologies. Among these a total of 8 veterinary sub-groups developed business plans.

So far 25 of the groups have received saving boxes and stationary. The number of VSLA boxes fabricated has been constrained by the current inflation rate, which has resulted in raw materials for fabrication not being available in the market. Currently, NPA is looking to source boxes from Juba instead of fabricating them locally in Rumbek in order to meet the current shortfall. NPA will continue with fabrication/buying of the village saving loan association boxes.

So far 7 veterinary pharmacy business development plans have been made and approved pending transfer of loans funds to a loan committee account. There are vet pharmacies groups in each of the counties. Except for one, seven Veterinary private extension agents groups have prepared their business plans and will be given loans through a committee that has been set up. The NPA focal point is the head of committee at state level. County loan committees will have a supervisory role. Funds from the state committee will go straight to groups.

Over the course of the coming months plans are underway to continue to provide training to VSLA groups and continue with the formation of village saving and loan association groups, conduct one business plan appraisal event by a loan committee at county and state level and provide loans to 7 vet groups appraised by the loan committee. In addition producer groups and processor groups will be trained and their organisation into farmers associations developed.

On the recommendations of the previous TA Monitoring Report

Integrating SORUDEV into what was initially a largely relief-orientated programme has required the development of synergies with other projects implementation. For instance, the project is targeting graduated food for asset/agriculture (FFA) famer groups who are now using the VSLA approach to local access to credit.

Cardno Consortium Page| 8 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

A participatory M&E system has been developed by the project staff in the field. NPA now has tools in place for data collection by or on the behalf of NPA/the Project, state authorities and third parties. The crop assessment template circulated by EU is also being used along with other simple templates the team developed. In order to increase the focus on individual farmers in groups NPA Project officers and extension workers are setting farmer objectives in terms of saving, agriculture production and income generation considering that the project measures of success (indicators) are at the individual level and not groups.

There is lack of specialised agro-dealerships in Lakes State. The few dealers in tools e.g. mouldboard ploughs do not supply spare parts. The blacksmith units of Mabui and Matangai are currently the only sources not only for spare parts but also ploughs production. The existing workshop at Mabui needed a mechanism to become viable and to enable artisans to become independent ways to establish a commercial ox-plough facility in Rumbek sought. NPA has commercialized the Mabui ox plough production unit, this also involved entering into an MoU agreement with Mabui blacksmith unit for training local black smiths. The Matangai blacksmith centre has acquired workshop tools/equipment and 4 artisans and 2 ox plough trainers graduated from Namelere were provided samples of implements. All are now set for production, however are constrained due to the current inflation. The issue of double ownership of Matangai Animal Traction Centre is now resolved. The centre remains an animal traction centre.

The project team is working well together and the coordinator is getting necessary support from the team members. The head of each component are working together to ensure synergy because the team understands that success of one component without success of the other does not mean SORUDEV success. All VSLA groups have been established and vet pharmacies trained on business skills and finance. NPA is using government extension workers to train the VSLA groups. Each VSLA is working as a credit institution with internal objectives concerning achievement set by the target group members.

State and county levels meetings are taking place and coordination and linkages with other projects is being developed. The project has 9 steering committees, 1 at State level and 1 in each of the Counties. The State level steering committee meets quarterly while the County level committees meets monthly. The SDG chairs the committee at State level, NPA Project Coordinator secretary and directors of other directorates are members. At the County level, the executive director chairs the committee, CAD inspectors, secretary etc.

Deteriorating road conditions and shortages of fuel in local markets have reduced access to some Project areas. NPA has prepositioned fuel stock during wet season when roads are not passible.

The increasing trend of uncontrolled livestock movements, resulting in destruction of agricultural crops, especially sorghum still needs attention. NPA has identified that legislation and a compensation mechanism through the state is required. This will require a process of disarmament of cattle keepers and a return to law and order and a regular way of farming life.

Main strengths

NPA has been collaborating well with counterpart Ministry staff and has involved them in direct implementation of the project within the framework of a signed MoU and exist strategy. NPA has been successful in involving beneficiary groups in the project processes and creating awareness of its aims and modes of operation. Target producer and blacksmith groups have understood well the project.

Cardno Consortium Page| 9 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Main weaknesses

SORUDEV is a pilot that has required some adjustments and adaptions of expectations among counterparts and beneficiaries. Some government staff had initially not grasped well the project concepts.

Challenges identified during the TA mission in October 2015

Understanding of some aspects of the project is still lacking among some senior government staff, particularly with regards to value chain and market aspects of the project and concerning the organisation of producer groups. This is due to a predominance of relief- oriented projects in the sector and interests in the creation of political unions rather than producer owned associations with production and marketing objectives. Opportunities presented by ZEAT-BEAD need to be well coordinated and planned, and should build on initial contacts which should be sustained.

Further actions required

NPA should:

• Update work plan • Address the gender balance among its staff and the beneficiaries it reaches; • Continue to set the agenda and lead coordination meetings with the SMAFCRD; • Establish (together with the SMAFCRD) a number of working briefs in the fields of: a) Geographical Information System (GIS)-referenced registration of activities by various partners; b) human resource development; c) the formation of producer groups and cooperatives; d) Value Chain points of leverage; e) post-harvest production, management and marketing; and f) Crop and food supply forecasts; • Circulate to the monitoring team its: o Detailed work schedule with quarterly targets o Breakdown of funding expenditure to date o Procurement plan and quarterly expenditure forecasts • Commission an external mid-term evaluation (MTE) as foreseen under the project; • Ensure to collect relevant project information against its baseline; • Proceed with planting and harvest forecasts and crop production estimates; and • Develop further in consultation with UNIDO and FAO the component 3 of the project.

Changes to project context

The deteriorating economic situation in South Sudan has adversely affected the socio- economic situation of beneficiaries, with high inflation and price volatility affecting farmers exacerbated by impassable main Roads to the State. Armed skirmishes along key roads, although not targeting project staff are intermittently impairing movement of staff to project sites.

Progress toward achieving project objectives in summary

• Overall objective: To contribute to increased food security, reduced vulnerability and enhanced livelihoods of rural households in South Sudan.

• Specific objective: Increased agricultural production & income of smallholder farmers in Lakes State through strengthening extension services that effectively reaches smallholders.

Cardno Consortium Page| 10 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

On achievements against each specific result

• R1: Increased adoption of good practices that increase production & reduce production losses through strengthened Extension services delivery system.

According to the rider, number of extension workers was reduced to 24 (3 per county). Out of the 24, 22 were trained for 3 months in basic agriculture at YATC and also attended 5 days training on the extension guide. So far they have trained 2,244 smallholder farmers (1496 women /748 men) using various extension packages developed. About half of the trained smallholder farmers are using improved agronomic practices (e.g. early planting, mixed and intercropping, row planting and early weeding) and accessing extension services.

• R2: Increased adoption of animal traction amongst smallholder farmers to increase cultivation area and crop production

NPA has Trained 57 COTs all men (42 Matangai and 15 Mabui) on ox plough technology, provided refresher training to 80 CAHWs for five days, and has trained 24 local blacksmiths on fabrication of parts and plough maintenance at Mabui ox plough unit. So far the unit has produced various components for about 55 ox ploughs. NPA also trained 4 artisans & 2 oxen trainers for a month in Namelere, Uganda on fabrication and use of implements, and 14 local blacksmiths on fabrication and repair of ox plough parts. The 2 animal traction centres are now hosting COTs / farmers training.

• R3: Improved market access & linkages among value chain actors, including producer groups

The loan process to 7 Vet pharmacies is completed and an amount is now being remitted into stallholder loan accounts being managed by State loan committee. The committee is comprised of the Director of Agriculture (SORUDEV focal person) chair, Rural Development department staff, and CAD staff working as counterparts in the project. So far, 53 VSLA groups are saving and giving credit to their members. NPA has managed to provide 25 VSLA boxes to those practicing. There has been a 33% increase in use of VSLA.

Sustainability of the Action

Sustainability of the project will depend on a real peace process and disarmament of youth, a reduction in insecurity and violent incidents, and accessibility of roads to main sources of essential supplies and products – two main roads Juba-Yirol-Rumbek (floods and conflict) and Rumbek-Wulu-Juba (conflict). It will also depend on broader political buy-in to the SORUDEV process. Linkages with ZEAT-BEAD programme are important to add technical value to the project.

Group formation is an essential component of the project. It is building on existing groups developed by FAO under the SPCRP project. Some Food for Work (FFW), Food for Assets/ Agriculture (FFA), and Food for Education (FFE) groups formed by WFP are also being incorporated by the project. The latter tend to be very big, focused more on receiving relief than any production work, as the amount of food received from WFP is proportional to the number of people in the group. The project is seeking to make groups provided with food as an incentive to farm more independent and self-reliant (typically these groups are supported by WFP in a one-off delivery for a year and are only eligible to receive food for one year), by splitting and supporting groups that have graduated i.e. the year after receiving food in which they are no longer eligible for a second round food. Targeting of graduated groups is working well, there is more group stability and less double dipping across years into the WFP programme.

Cardno Consortium Page| 11 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Cross-cutting and other issues

• EU Visibility

The project has been successful in raising the visibility of the project and the EU has a donor in the State.

• Gender issues

In Juba NPA has a many female staff but in Lakes State there is only one woman on NPA staff (Dawa from Central Equatoria State) under the project. There is one female government extension supervisor (Pricilla) and 4 extension worker counterparts. Most beneficiaries are women (66 %). NPA needs to ensure gender disaggregated data under the project are collected.

Summary of key lessons learnt (as per discussions with the project team)

• Government authorities are still very relief minded and considerable work still needs to be done before they fully embrace development. Since the start of the project in Lakes State, NPA has highlighted that the project is a development project with a different approach to the abundant relief projects in the region. Despite the efforts to enhance the State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry understanding of the project it is evident the project approach is still not well understood, they are still talking of seed distribution in various meetings. • The VSLA and FFS approach was neither in the original design of the programme nor the projects of the SORUDEV partners, but were added as major aspects of the project to facilitate credit among producer group members so they can collectively source seeds and tools. The addition of VSLA activities to the project was not liked by the project staff and counterparts, nevertheless its adoption is taking place very rapidly in Lakes State by first targeting groups for extension and then adding VSLA activities (to such an extent that many members are coming to join in the VSLA components from outside these groups). • Perceptions of local authorities have constrained the privatisation of blacksmiths from Matangai. They did not fully appreciate the extent to which the project is meant to benefit local people nor the supportive role of NPA. Local authorities could not see the project as something for the benefit of blacksmiths. Legalisation of land ownership is a condition for NPA to support the establishment and continual development of the blacksmith group capacity. This activity has been delayed due to reticent buy-in of local authorities, but is now progressing. • At the beginning of the project NPA anticipated the existence of agro-dealers that could be linked to beneficiary producer groups. The idea of distinguishing producer groups and farmers groups has been quite a challenge for NPA. While there are some trader/ dealers who sell some types of seeds and tools, and some producers of seeds are selling them in the market, there are no specialised agro-dealers. Local seed supplies are from a few people gathering and processing some seeds (eg Okra and Jews Mallo). • There are no producer groups that have specialised in seed production. There is a need to register seed producers and link them to institutions. The development of producer groups and marketing groups need further attention, including individuals who are gathering together seed (e.g. vegetables), and a comprehensive understanding and strategy at the programme level should be developed. NPA is advised to raise this at the next coordination meeting of Programme Managers and address this in collaboration with FAO to pick up on this. • When the project proposal was written, it did not have UNIDO in mind nor was the ZEAT-BEAD programme formulated yet. The project was conceived as a stand-alone

Cardno Consortium Page| 12 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

intervention bringing together ideas and experience from previous projects as a bridge for developing and refining the start-up of future projects. As such the project proposal did not contain any new ideas. NPA has supported UNIDO in its market survey, has identified several agro-processors but has not made much progress in the development of agro-processing groups. It is not too late in the project to take this up to support the efforts of UNIDO in the ZEAT-BEAD project. • The biggest challenge for NPA has been how to come up with a farmers union at state level. Farmers associations first need to know the objectives of their associations. It has been difficult to lead them to understand the importance of this and for them to own the process. County level associations made of farmers group representatives (typically 5 groups) are now in place in each county and representatives in these associations are to form the union at state level charged with identifying ways to get produce to market and with lobbying government for support. In the end farmers want to take produce to the market, that is easier in a group but not easily reached individually. • Problems have arisen due to disagreements on the process of formation of associations and the farmers union. Previously there was a political association at State level but it was not effective in jointly addressing challenges, identifying links in value chains that can be supported, and nominating representatives to solve problems and find markets. A political option would involve the nomination of representatives at the Payam level by a local chief. However in the interests of functional associations / state union it is considered best that chiefs are not formally involved with farmers groups in this regard and that the objective of farmers organization should primarily be not political but for the benefit of the famers. These disagreements led to a delay in the process, the biggest hurdle is at state level due to interference by people who favour a union of political interest. Farmers need to own the union not the politicians and create active forums for discussion and sharing of information. On the next monitoring visit in six months’ time it should possible to meet the new farmers associations. • Provision is made in the project for a stakeholder forum. The project proposed to host a half day lessons session and the coming SORUDEV QRM Steering Committee Meeting in January 2016.Given the lessons learned to date there is a lot of work to be done to make government officials and other stakeholders aware of the project and to fully understand it. On this occasion it will be important to reiterate what was discussed and agreed at various meetings. A forum that involves all the development partners should follow this meeting.

Cardno Consortium Page| 13 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

3 Programme Schedule1

Day Time Event Responsibility 1/12/2015 Arrival of the team to Rumbek Meeting with Focal person SORUDEV, DG, Minister and 10:00-11:00 am Samuel Deng other officials 2/12/2015 2:00-3:00 pm Visiting Malith Blacksmith Centre Chol 3:00-3:40 pm Visiting Matnagai Animal Traction Centre Chol 9:00- am Travel to Rumbek East Samuel Deng 10:00-10:30 Meeting with County Authority & CAD All 3/12/2015 11:00-12:00 am Visiting Gok-akon farmer group Arop/Dawa 12:00-2:00 non Visiting Loorwo farmer group Dawa/Arop 2:00 noon Travel to Akot (spend the night in Akot) All 9:00-11:00 am Visiting Thempiny farmer group (Aluak luak) Priscilla/Makoi 4/12/2015 11:00-1:00 pm Visiting Mabui ox plough production unit Priscilla/Makoi 2:00 pm Travel back to Rumbek Samuel Deng 7/12/2015 Whole day FAO Ezana 8/12/2015 Whole day FAO Ezana 10:30 am Visiting Piirpath Rumbek Centre Arop Ateny /Dawa 9/12/2015 2:30-3:00 pm Debriefing NPA / Govt staff 10/12/2015 TBA Monitoring Team Departure M. Team

1 Schedule was sequentially set back day-by-day due to continued insecurity in the region. As a result the monitoring team was restricted to areas in Rumbek Centre, following consultation between NPA and UNDSS.

Cardno Consortium Page| 14 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

4 People met and activities visited NPA Staff Names Position Telephone Samuel Deng Project Coordinator – Head of Office 0955571483 Peter Majur Senior Project Officer – Value Chain and Markets Abraham Mading Senior Project Officer – Extension Services 0955206047 John Makur Senior Project Officer – Animal Traction 0955465828 Rose Dawa Martin Agribusiness Supervisor – Greater Rumbek Counties 0954461353 Jiovbani Makoi Agribusiness Supervisor – Greater Yirol Counties 0929687717

Govt Staff Names Position Telephone Arob Ateny Extension Services Supervisor – State Govt. Barnaba Chol Makoi Director of Animation Traction – State Govt

Farmers’ Field Group Members Names Gender Agany (Cueiet) 24 ( men / women) Pan-rak (Cueibet) 24 ( men / women Gok-akon (Rumbek East) 38 (men 23 / women 15) Loorwo (Rumbek East) 37 (men 13 / women 24) Thempiny (Yirol West) 25 (14 men/ 11 women) Bakita konybai (Yirol West) 25 (14 men / 11 women) Mat-chieng (Yirol East) 25 (2 men / 23 women) Lukutweng (Yirol East) 25 (17 men / 8 women) Piirpath (Rumbek Centre) 26 (men 11 / women 15)

VSLA Group Puonmit VSLA Group Waipirich S/n Names in Full Gender Names in Full Gender 01 Mary Achol Akhol F Martha Akoi Madit F 02 Mary Yom Makoi F Awal Maker Achinguac F 03 Martha Aluaal Marol F Debora Nyanthuoi Ayany F 04 Halen Yom Marial F Awau Makoi Monyethel F 05 Mary Akol Mean F Mary Akoi Malual F 06 Mary Akol Ajar-nget F Akol Kedit Daak F 07 Mary Amok Kedit F Akunyir Chol Mayuen F 08 Ayen Makur Maker F Akuchuol Malual Atony F 09 Lou Yuol Liabeny F Dier Malual Kodi F 10 Nyitur Makoi Manyuen F Kuortok Matong Mayo F 11 Mary Adol Makoi F Ayen Makuac Majur F 12 Apen Chieng Diany F Anhiak Matueny Chol F 13 Yom Nyac Gum F Akor Machuol Chiam F 14 Martha Akuac Maduol F Alual Akhol Bol F 15 Yar Makoi Lei F Debora Amakou Machuei F 16 Debora Apiny Gor F Yar Akhol Lual F 17 Achol maguen Nuer F Aweng Apac Lual F 18 Nyipot Bai Wuol F Ayen Mapour Dut F 19 Akujang Muou Manyuat F Nyibeny Kumbai Neck F 20 Akol Wal Gum F 21 Agok Malee Rengu F 22 Athouwar Kechuol F 23 Mary Achol Mading F

Cardno Consortium Page| 15 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

5 Picture Gallery

Row Matnagai Animal Traction Centre, Rumbek

Nyankot Women’s Farmer VSLA Groups in Rumbek

Malith Rural Blacksmith Centre, Rumbek

Cardno Consortium Page| 16 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Annex 1 Project Summary

“Strengthening Smallholder Animal Traction Capacity and Extension Services in Lakes Title of the Project State” Implementing Agency Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) South Sudan Country Office Location(s) of the action: State: Lakes State (Lakes), South Sudan specify country(ies) and Counties2: Rumbek East, Rumbek Central, Cueibet, Wulu, Yirol East, Yirol West, Awerial region(s) that will benefit Rumbek north) from the action Payams3: Total duration of the action 24 months from 15 February 2014 to 14 February 2017 (months) Overall objective: To contribute to increased food security, reduced vulnerability and enhanced livelihoods of rural households in South Sudan. Objectives of the action Specific objective: Increased agricultural production & income of smallholder farmers in Lakes State through strengthening extension services that effectively reaches smallholders. Target group(s)4 The groups/entities (smallholder farmers) who will directly benefit from the action Those who will benefit from the action in the long term at the level of the community or Final beneficiaries5 sector at large R1 – Increased adoption of good practices Estimated results R2 – Increased adoption of animal traction and increased cultivation area R3 – Improved market access & linkages among value chain actors A1 – Training and extension services for smallholder groups, A2 – Training on ox plough, CAHW, blacksmith, provide kits on loan and raw materials A3 – Development of farmers organizations and associations Main activities A4 – Loan scheme committees, and LOC to producer groups A5 – Market access and value chain addition activities; A6 – Strengthening farmer organizations and value chain actors’ organization A7 – Strengthening market information flows FS Agriculture – 3 Number of each type of Sustainable agriculture /animal health– 2 technical staff Agribusiness specialists – 2

2 County: an administrative unit in South Sudan immediately below the State 3 Payam: an administrative unit in South Sudan immediately below the County, equivalent to a District 4 “Target groups" are the groups/entities who will directly benefit from the action 5 “Final beneficiaries” are those who will benefit from the action in the long term at the level of the community or sector at large

Cardno Consortium Annex 1| 1 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Annex 2 Project Staff

Name Gender Position Telephone Email

Samuel Deng M Project Coordinator – Head of Office 0955571483 [email protected] Abraham Mading M Senior Project Officer – Extension Services 0955206047 [email protected] John Makur M Senior Project Officer – Animal Traction 0955465828 [email protected] Rose Dawa Martin F AB Supervisor – Greater Rumbek Counties 0954461353 [email protected] Jiovanni Makoi M AB Supervisor – Greater Yirol Counties 0929687717 [email protected] Maker Boung Aher M Animal health officer 0955894559 [email protected] Emmanuel Leju M AT Supervisor – Greater Yirol Counties 0955112832 [email protected]

Cardno Consortium Annex 2| 1 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Annex 3 Work Plan: July 2015 to December 2015

Activities 7 8 9 10 11 12 Implementing body Result 1 Continue with need identification of 800 farmers S. project officer (Ext) / and training of 3200 farmers supervisors / extension agents Continue with extension package development (PC / PO / DPM) Result 2 S. Project officer (AT) / Training of 138 community oxen trainers Supervisors / Trainers Training of 34 local blacksmith Blacksmith trainers / Supervisors Training of 1200 farmers on animal traction Oxen trainers / Supervisors Facilitate establishment of two animal traction S. Project officer (AT) / PC /DPM centres /Log Result 3 Identify 7 producer groups and development of business plan for 19 producer groups, identify 12 Project officer (AB) /Supervisors agro-processing groups and support to 8 vet Extension workers pharmacies, and identify 12 input/output and market actors Identification and sensitization of more VSLA Supervisors / S. Project officer groups and training of 92 VSLA groups on (AB) principles of VSLA 2 Extension workers Form 8 county level farmers association and 1 Project officers / Supervisors state level farmers union 3 Extension workers State level annual stakeholder forum and 1 PC / Project officers /DPM /EU quarterly review meeting 4

Cardno Consortium Annex 4| 1 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Annex 4 Progress toward achieving objectives

Objectively verifiable Intervention logic Update as of June 2015 Update as of Dec 2015 indicators of achievement Project Objective

To contribute to A baseline study has been increased food conducted as part of the Inception security, reduced 20% increase in household Report preparation process. OVIs vulnerability and food security in Lakes State are now based on baseline data As enhanced (baseline 8%) per the Inception Rider, the baseline livelihoods among data was used to revise and clarify rural households in the OVI South Sudan

Specific Objective 50% increase in the Increased agricultural agricultural production/yield of target Data on agricultural As per the Inception Rider, the production and groups in Lakes State production is collected but still baseline data was used to revise income among (baseline 0.7 tonnes per under analysis. and clarify the OVI and logframe. smallholder household) farmers in Lakes Data on this outcome is being As most of the target groups are State through the 50% increase in the average collected smallholder farmers, the OVIs strengthening of household income of should be achievable. extension services target groups in Lakes State that effectively (baseline 876 SSP per reach smallholders annum)

Baseline conducted, 32 targeted According to the rider, number Payams identified, 32 extension of extension workers was workers and 2 extension reduced to 24 due to poor supervisors identified and deployed performance. No replacement to the Payams, was made. 24 extensions Results workers identified 3 per county

75% of targeted smallholder 16 of the 32 extension workers Out of the 24, 22 (18 men / 4 R1 - Increased farmers adopt good already trained on a 3-month basic women) were trained for 3 adoption of good practices from the defined agricultural course at Yei CTC. months in basic agriculture at practices that extension packages Induction training conducted of 42 YATC. Out of 24 extension increase (baseline 25%) counterparts (extensionists, workers 22 (17 men and 5 production and supervisors and CAD Directors). women) were trained for 5 reduce productive days on extension guide. losses through 85% reduction of post- 122 farmer groups identified for harvest losses among support, Extension package Trained 2244 (1496 women strengthening of targeted smallholder groups developed. Assessed training needs /748 men) smallholder farmers the extension (baseline loss 50%). of 3,060 persons (122 groups), on various extension services delivery Need based training of 1,575 packages developed. About system in the 8 smallholder farmers (65 groups) 1247 (44%) of the trained Counties of Lakes 50% increase in the number smallholder farmers are using State of smallholder farmers 32 bicycles and 8 motorbikes to improved agronomic practices accessing extension extension agents in the Payams (e.g. early planting, mixed and services intercropping, row planting (baseline 12%) Capacity assessment of CAD and early weeding.) Some 55

offices (computers, printers), 70 T- % of smallholders farmers

shirts to Project staff and accessing extension services counterparts, 149 T-shirts to launch the farming and tree-planting Data on post-harvest is not yet season. collected!

Cardno Consortium Annex 4| 1 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Objectively verifiable Intervention logic Update as of June 2015 Update as of Dec 2015 indicators of achievement Distributed 30 bicycles and 7 motor bikes to extension workers and supervisors in the Counties

Capacity assessment of CAD carried out. Printers and computers distributed to CAD offices in the Counties Trained 57 COTs all men (42 Matangai and 15 Mabui) on ox plough technology.

2 ox-plough training centres will be Provided refresher training to established at Mabui (existing) and 80 CAHWs for five days. in Rumbek for training trainers

(COTs). 138 COTs will be trained Trained 24 local blacksmiths over 3 years. 189 trainees already on fabrication of parts and identified. 20% increase in the number plough maintenance at Mabui

of smallholder farmers OPU. So far unit has R2 Increased 2 animal traction supervisors and 8 using ox-ploughs produced; 84 spogs, 21 adoption of ox-trainers deployed. 8 blacksmiths (baseline 45%) landslides, 102 mouldboard animal traction identified for two workshops. 136 bodies, 104 handles, 32 COT identified, 15 trained. 48 local among smallholder 75% increase in the shares, 60 supporters, 60 blacksmiths identified, 14 trained. farmers in the 8 average area cultivated by zigzags, 60 handle stays and 25 pairs/teams of oxen trained and Counties of Lakes targeted smallholder 50 wheel (bent). About 55 57 smallholder farmers trained. state in order to farmers ploughs. Number sold not yet

(baseline 2 Feddan per reported. Trained 4 artisans & increase the area Purchasing of raw materials (mild household) 2 oxen trainers for a month in under cultivation steel plates) is on-going. 4 artisans Namelere, Uganda on and improve crop and 2 COTs are undergoing training 20% increase in the number fabrication and use of in Namelere (AETRI) Uganda in the production of smallholder farmers using implements. Trained 14 local fabrication of ox-drawn implements. animal traction for other blacksmith son fabrication and

farming activities in repair of ox plough parts. Raw 2 animal traction centres have been addition to cultivation materials for Mabui ox plough established at the Mabui and (baseline none) production centre completed Matangai ATCs. and fabrication work started.

The 2 animal traction centres 80 CAHWs have been identified are now hosting COTs / and retrained for 5 days and a farmers training. business plan for the CAHWs

developed.

0.3 Feddan increased in average area cultivated

Cardno Consortium Annex 4| 2 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Objectively verifiable Intervention logic Update as of June 2015 Update as of Dec 2015 indicators of achievement Apart from Mabui OPU and Matangai blacksmith centre Agro-dealers, agro-processors, smallholder farmers are also producer groups, operatives and accessing tools from other unions. Expected outcome of suppliers (agro-dealers) in organising 8 County-level farmers’ Rumbek and Yirol. e.g. associations is not clear? mouldboard ploughs

Overall, the team will need to 25% increase in the number The team has started data collect, and analyse the Year 1 data of targeted smallholder collection at all levels of and estimate the percentage farmers accessing inputs 7 Vet pharmacies loan R3 - Improved achieved from local input suppliers process is completed and market access (baseline 2%) amount is now remitted into and linkages Groups are being selected, loan stallholder loan account being among value committees formed, appraisal 25% increase in the managed by State loan chain actors and checklist developed, formation of marketing of produce committee. The committee is producer groups farmers’ associations prepared, through local markets comprised of 1. Director of in the 8 Counties of (baseline 31%) Agriculture (SORUDEV focal Lakes State Staff trained on preparation of person) chair, 2. Rural business plans, 7 business plans 50% increase in smallholder development department staff, prepared, business plan template farmer participation in 3. CAD staff working as developed for two blacksmith farmers’ institutions counterpart in the project. centres. (baseline 7.5%)

So far, 53 VSLA groups are 36 staff (29 men and 7 women) saving giving credit to trained in VSLA, 2 workshops on members. NPA managed to VSLAs, 50 groups started VSLA, provide 25 VSLA boxes to 371 members saved 50,980 SSP.10 those practicing. 33% of 92 savings boxes distributed. increase in use of VSLA.

Cardno Consortium Annex 4| 3 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Annex 5 Challenges and follow-up actions

Action Observations during the EU taken/recommended Update as of Dec 2015 Field Mission in October 2014 during the EU Field Mission in June 2015 NPA will need to be conscious of SORUDEV developed synergy with possible contradictions and other projects implementation. For Integrating SORUDEV The mission established that confusion among beneficiary instance, graduated FFA famer into a largely relief- SORUDEV has been well communities facing different groups are now using VSLA orientated programme integrated into NPA agendas in the same geographical programming in Lakes State. approach which is one of the main area. approach in credit facility All Mabui Centre workshop NPA has commercialized Mabui ox buildings, machine tools and plough production unit. NPA entered The existing workshop equipment and raw materials either into an agreement with Mabui at Mabui needs a NPA has established and belong to or are provided by NPA. In blacksmith unit by signing a MoU for mechanism to become supported a private-led, Nov. 2014 only three blacksmiths training local black smith. Matangai viable and to enable were still working at the workshop commercialised blacksmith blacksmith centre has acquired artisans to become due to shortages of generator fuel operation in Rumbek Town. workshop tools/equipment, independent. and other raw materials. Previous NPA efforts with cooperatives and facilitated by NPA. Delivery will be enterprise groups collapsed. taken care of by the organization. A market for blacksmiths has NPA intended to provide all been set up. Six artisans required project inputs to the sent to Uganda for Rumbek group for free. In light of specialised training. 4 the Wau Resolution, NPA must 4 artisans and 2 ox plough trainers specialising in spare part s How to establish a finalise a convincing alternative graduated from Namelere. The 4 and 2 in implements (e.g. commercial ox-plough approach. The development of artisans came with samples of weeders and planters). facility in Rumbek. local ox-plough manufacturing implements. All are now set for Their management skills of capacity should include production need strengthening. The development of business groups should become a management capacity in logistics, cooperative, with VSLA to finance, and marketing. facilitate access to credit. NPA must put in place a functional Data collection on data collection system for project A simple data collection tool A participatory M&E system has behalf of NPA/the reporting purposes. Data collection prepared. The technical and been developed by the project staff Project, state tools need to be developed and management capacity of the in the field. NPA now has these authorities and third staff trained in their use. It may be project team in M&E still tools in place parties necessary to co-opt other actors needs to be improved. into the system. This has remained a major NPA prepositioned fuel stock as a Deteriorating road Disruption to road travel and challenge in the State and remedy to shortage during wet conditions, shortages breakdowns in the delivery of has been further season as roads are not passible. of fuel in local markets essential supplies are an annual exacerbated by prevailing reduce access to occurrence and predictable. NPA insecurity across most parts some Project areas will need to preposition essential of Lakes. NPA is managing supplies. the challenges well (at increased cost). Most farmers in Lakes State Movement of livestock often Legislation and a compensation Uncontrolled livestock are agro-pastoralists. The results in tension and conflict mechanism id required. This will movements, resulting main challenge remains the between communities (e.g. Wulu require a process of disarmament of in destruction of internal insecurity. The County). Fencing is largely non- cattle keepers and a return to law agricultural crops, support of the State and viable. Imposition (by local courts) and order and a regular way of especially sorghum County authorities is highly of fines recommended. farming life. commendable.

Cardno Consortium Annex 5| 1 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Established 9 steering committees 1 at State Establish a Steering Committee at State Level and level and 1 each of the Counties. The State quarterly meetings. County-level meetings with level steering committee meets quarterly State and county representatives of all key stakeholders should also be while the Counties level committees meets levels meetings, held monthly. Strengthen and broaden the coordination monthly. The DG chairs the committee at coordination and and sharing of information with other implementing State level, NPA Project Coordinator, linkages with other agencies in the State and with other SORUDEV projects secretary and directors of other directorates projects. especially in the areas of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and are members. At the County level, the VSLAs. Increase coordination with and EU-funded ZEAT- executive director chairs the committee, BEAD projects. CAD inspector secretary etc. The Project team needs to ensure that the Project Coordinator is supported to lead the team and strengthen The project team is working as a team and team spirit, thereby minimising emphasis on individual the coordinator is getting necessary support components. Senior management should support the from the team members. Head of the Project Leadership Project Coordinator where appropriate. There is need to components are working together to ensure ensure that female members of target groups are synergy because, the team understands that adequately represented at decision-making levels (e.g. success of one component and failure of the the Steering Committee and other committees) and are other does not mean SORUDEV success! empowered. Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is weak. The Project does not have a simple or workable M&E system. This is recognised as an issue and there is a need for senior management in Juba to support the Project to develop NPA SORUDEV team at the field level M&E management, such a system over the next few months Strengthen the developed an M&E system for the project. data collection and functioning of M&E within the Project. The crop Crop assessment template circulated by EU analysis assessment tools developed and circulated by the EU to is also being used along with other simple all SORUDEV programmes should be used. NPA should templates the team developed reach a consensus with FAO on shared data collection. Share all collected and analysed data with the AFIS team within the State Ministry. The proposed animal traction centre in Matangai Payam in Rumbek Centre County has double ownership. The issue of double ownership of Matangai Animal Traction Ownership of the land be clarified and a land title Animal Traction Centre is now resolved. The Centre title deed secured. This issue was raised with the State Minister and centre remain traction centre. Director General who have committed to support the Project team to resolve it; Prioritise the establishment and training of all remaining There is lack of agro-dealership in Lakes VSLA groups. Ensure that the recruitment of agro-dealers State as a matter of facts. The few agro- is completed in good time to facilitate the prepositioning of dealers in tools e.g. mouldboard ploughs do Increasing access to farming inputs before the planting season. Establish well- not supply spare parts. That leaves agricultural inputs understood linkages between agro-dealers and blacksmith units of Mabui and Matangai the VSLAs/farmer groups before the onset of the rainy only sources not only for spare parts but also season. ploughs production. More emphasis is currently placed on groups than on NPA has established emphasis on individual individual farmers. Ensure that Project officers and farmers. The team has taken note of this extension workers set objectives with each farmer in each Breadth versus depth since indicators measure individuals and not group in terms of VSLA-related activities; targets for of assistance groups. agricultural production and income; and any Each farmer’s objective on VSLA related challenges/needs that they expect the Project to help activities are now established. them address over its duration. Prioritise timely agronomic practices. Conduct refresher Training of County- All VSLA groups is established. Vet trainings in i) VSLA methodology for all groups; and ii) level NPA and pharmacies are also trained on business business skills and financial literacy for VSLA and agro- Government staff skills and financial literary. dealer groups. Review the Project exit and sustainability strategy jointly NPA uses government extension workers with Government and stakeholders and ensure it is clear Exist strategy and who train the VSLA groups. VSLA works as how each component (extension services, animal traction, sustainability a credit institution for internal objectives VSLAs and input supply) will be sustained after the Project achievement by the target group members. ends

Cardno Consortium Annex 5| 2 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Annex 6 Work Plan: January 2016 to June 2016

• Mobilization & training of 49 smallholder farmer groups • Re-training of 131 groups • Retaining of 24 extension workers on extension communication strategies • Training of 3-4 extension workers in basic Agriculture and specialized course in Yei • Trainings of COTs & local blacksmiths • Training of farmers & oxen on animal traction • Production of ploughs and spare parts, assembling of ploughs, repair & maintenance • Procurement, delivery and installation of BW equipment • Monitoring & evaluation • Tree nursery establishment • Demonstration & trial of ox-drawn implements in ATCs • Loan disbursement to successful vet pharmacies groups • Organize a State level annual stakeholder forum with a view for lobby and advocacy • Continue engage local authorities on BW privatization • Exchange visits by COTs, Oxen users and Oxen trainers • Construction of Matangai Blacksmith Worker shelters • Training support to 12 agro-processing groups and 12 input/output market actors • VSLA groups training/support

Activities 1 2 3 4 5 6 Implementing body Result 1 Training of 150 (120W/30M) smallholder farmers on Extension workers/supervisors developed extension package “Rumbek North” Conduct retraining and monitoring of trained Extension workers / supervisors smallholders farmer groups Technical project staff (PC / PO / Carry out state level implementation review DPM) Partners and EU TA Result 2 Supervise production of 1200 ploughs by Mabui OPU and operationalization of Matangai blacksmith Artisans / Supervisors centre Continue with training stallholder farmers and oxen Animal traction staff (oxen trainers) / on ox plough technology 2 supervisors Training of 1200 smallholder farmers on animal Oxen trainers / Supervisors traction Facilitate / promotion nursery tree planting at animal S. project officer / supervisors / traction centres Traction staff Result 3 Training of 24 producer groups, and identify 12 agro-processing groups and provide training support Project officer (AB) /Supervisors

Continue monitoring the 7 vet pharmacies who Extension workers received loans and support 1 in Rumbek North. Continue with VSLA groups mentoring 2 (Title: train Supervisors / S. Project officer (AB) producer groups on VSLA and setting up saving Extension workers activities) Continue support to farmers association and 1 state Project officers / Supervisors level farmers union Extension workers

1 State level annual stakeholder forum and 1 PC / Project officers /DPM /EU quarterly review meeting

Cardno Consortium Annex 6| 1 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Annex 7 Operational Payam & Boma GPS Information

SORUDEV Coverage Lakes State GPS Coordinates S/no County Payam Boma Latitude Longitude Attitude 1. Rumbek East Atiaba Dongic N06ᵒ34’ 14.27” E029ᵒ57’59.02” 428.3m Maboric N06ᵒ36’ 13.09” E029ᵒ55’49.01” 526.5m Karic N06ᵒ36’ 56.80” E029ᵒ54’ 46.95” 286.3m Aduel Thonic N06ᵒ37’45.1’ E029ᵒ53’83.9’ 441m Billiing N06ᵒ30’ 17.14” E029ᵒ46’ 12.29” 431.5m Pachong Panawac N06ᵒ39’ 32.05” E029ᵒ47’ 57.55” 471.9m Biling N06ᵒ41’ 29.21” E029ᵒ47’ 26.19” 452.8m Chueichok Biling-chok N06ᵒ43’ 55.20” E029ᵒ45’7.24” 419.3m Patir N06ᵒ44’ 4.14” E029ᵒ43’ 55.60” 429.9m

2. Rumbek Central Matangai Aber N06ᵒ52’18.7’ E029ᵒ34’51.6’ 418m Nyangkoot N06ᵒ52.150’ E029ᵒ40.237’ 418m cholochok N06ᵒ48.960’ E029ᵒ38.566’ 421m Matangai N06ᵒ49.128’ E029ᵒ38.836’ 444m Jiir Abin-ajok N06ᵒ44.30’ E029ᵒ39.54’ ---- Abarkou N06ᵒ49’41’ E029ᵒ40.57’ ---- Amongpiny Mopeer, N06ᵒ47’.104” E029ᵒ42’.294” 425m Adol

3. Cueibet Ngap Ngap centre N06ᵒ50.988’ E029ᵒ13.349’ 441.9m Kilo 7 N06ᵒ51.369’ E029ᵒ13.212’ 445.3m Malou-yuol N06ᵒ53.542’ E029ᵒ12.940’ 446.8m Aceminti N06ᵒ56.482’ E029ᵒ13.748’ 437m Malou-pec Alel N07ᵒ01.622’ E029ᵒ14.706’ 429.2m Achol-malek N07ᵒ01.433’ E029ᵒ12.771’ 430.4m Agany N07ᵒ02.119’ E029ᵒ11.426’ 429.2m Duony Barieth N06ᵒ58.017’ E029ᵒ22.374’ 425.8m Anyot N06ᵒ59.499’ E029ᵒ22648’ 415.7m Abiriu Biling-anger N06ᵒ56.296’ E029ᵒ25.471’ 417.3m Amolbut N06ᵒ55.391’ E029ᵒ26.325’ 417.9m Marial-Akeeng N06ᵒ58.471’ E029ᵒ21.364 420.3m

4. Wulu Wullu Wullu-gadim N06ᵒ26.398’ E029ᵒ36.902’ 488m Wullu centre N06ᵒ 30.199’ E029ᵒ 37.542’ 506m Bhar- gel Gulmar N06ᵒ56.909’ E029ᵒ47.97’ --- Mayege N06ᵒ58.986’ E029ᵒ56.983 -- Domoloto Domoloto N06ᵒ14.965’ E029ᵒ37.272’ 504m Doteku N06ᵒ13.417’ E029ᵒ36.910’ 519m Makundi Dokuru N06ᵒ21.848’ E029ᵒ37.918’ 503m Domanjo N06ᵒ17.411’ E029ᵒ39.328’ 504m

5. Awerial Puluk Mingkamen N06ᵒ03’20.8” E031ᵒ30’41.5” 437m

Bun agok Gour Beny N06ᵒ12’38.7” E030ᵒ59’54.1” 444m Abuyung Riaga N06ᵒ20’33.9” E031ᵒ08’56.6” 436m Berken N06ᵒ20’02.3” E031ᵒ09’25.8” 435m Wun kum N06ᵒ21’45.5” E031ᵒ06’14.1” 447m Dor Malou N06ᵒ03’05.5” E031ᵒ17’06.4” 436m N06ᵒ03’20.8” E031ᵒ30’41.5”

6. Yirol West Aluak-luak Aluak-luak N06ᵒ28’23.88” E030ᵒ05’57.47” 424.1m Agany N06ᵒ26’13.15” E030ᵒ03’18.52” 447.7m Mapuordit Agutraan N06ᵒ17’48.78” E030ᵒ06’48.27” 388.6m

Cardno Consortium Annex 7| 1 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

SORUDEV Coverage Lakes State GPS Coordinates S/no County Payam Boma Latitude Longitude Attitude Pokic N06ᵒ23’50.98” E030ᵒ04’57.46” 472.1m Mabui N06ᵒ23’26.68” E030ᵒ03’37.42” 453.7m Abang Yirol town N06ᵒ34’.891” E030ᵒ28’.81” 426m Panliet N06ᵒ36’.294” E030ᵒ32’.246” 429m Pankar N06ᵒ34’.892” E030ᵒ28’.909” 433m Pakeu N06ᵒ36.294” E030ᵒ32’.246” 396m Gengeng Matbar N06ᵒ20’02.2” E031ᵒ08’56.7” 457m Banylom N06ᵒ31’.923” E030ᵒ33’.277” 461m Pabuor N06ᵒ25’.994” E030ᵒ36’.418” 453m Akoikoi N06ᵒ28’.659” E030ᵒ35’.566” 432m Panliet N06ᵒ34’.937” E030ᵒ31’.445” 436m

7. Yirol East Tinagau Alel, N06ᵒ44’.601” E030ᵒ27’.710” 444m Acigor N06ᵒ42’.676” E030ᵒ29’.866” 438m Pagarau Macuor N06ᵒ45’.199” E030ᵒ26’.141” 434m Pagarau N06ᵒ44’.577” E030ᵒ25’.192” 422m Lieng N06ᵒ37’.985” E030ᵒ37’.985” 437m Malek Tiot N06ᵒ45’165” E030ᵒ44’.652” 432m Amercier N06ᵒ45’.652” E030ᵒ47’.631” 431m Malek Centre N06ᵒ43’.254” E030ᵒ47’.787” 430m

8. Rumbek North Malueth Aciek, Aliet Kak Meen Wundhioot, Amok Meen Madol Maper centre, Makuac, Rumkoor Wurieng Rorbar Camcuer Wurieng

Cardno Consortium Annex 7| 2 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Annex 8 Exit and Sustainability Strategy

Introduction A project approach is characterized by its short-term duration and intensive resource utilization during a limited project period. Every intervention has a beginning and an end. The South Sudan Rural Development programme (SORUDEV) will be implemented in a period of about 36 months with effect from June 2014 in Lakes State. There is a goal to be achieved by the end of the project period of which deliverables are spelt out clearly. The project will be implemented with coordination and collaboration with various stakeholders here in the State and a national level as well.

An exit strategy is like a sustainability plan of the project. The main concern of an exit strategy is the continuation of activities and maintaining the flow of benefits initiated by the agency. The exit strategy is basically a plan explaining on how the project intend to withdraw its resources while ensuring that achievement of the project objectives are not jeopardized and that progress towards these objectives will continue. The goal of an exit strategy is to ensure the impacts of the project are sustained.

The Phasing out of a project demands certain steps to ensure benefits the community had been getting will continue. There are different points to observe before deciding to exit from an area. Basically those concerns are not only to sustain the benefits the community was provided by the project but also to maintain the achievements of the project and meet emerging new challenges of the community in the sector. Among the many points to be considered, the sustainability of the project activities, institutional capability and community involvement could be the few ones.

The three points are very much inter-linked. Some project activities are community based and their sustainability after the implementing organization leaves could be assured. In other cases the capacity of institution that will take over from the agency could determine the continuation of the activities. The strength of the institutions to continue with the project activities is also determined by efforts the project had put in to build their implementation capability. Following meeting held with the State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the SORUDEV exit strategy for Lakes State is developed. The plan looks at the design of the project, key stakeholders & their role; and institutions and resources that will ensure sustainability of the project impact.

Locations of the action: The project will be implemented in eight (8) Counties of Lakes State and these are: Rumbek Central, Rumbek East Cueibet, Wulu, Yirol West, Yirol East, Awerial and Rumbek North.

Overall objective: To contribute to increased food security, reduced vulnerability and enhanced livelihoods of rural households in South Sudan.

Specific objective: To increase agricultural production and income of smallholder farmers in Lakes State through strengthening extension services that effectively reaches smallholders.

There are three components under this project through which the objectives will be achieved:

Component 1: Strengthened extension service system Component 2: Increased adoption of animal traction among smallholder famers. Component 3: Increase market access and strengthening linkages between value chain actors.

Cardno Consortium Annex 8| 1 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

The project will work in close collaboration with various stakeholders including the State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries; the target groups, the county Agriculture Department, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, NPA, SORUDEV implementing partners, other NGOs; and CBOs. The project was launched on 9th of June 2014 in Lakes State at the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. H.E. the Deputy Governor of Lakes State officially declared the project launched.

During the launch, the scope of the project, locations of the action, activities and the roles of NPA as well as the role of the ministry of agriculture and other stakeholders were clearly spelt out. The launch was subsequently followed by implementation plan which drew project management both at Juba level, field level and the ministry’s key staff from the Counties and the headquarters in the State. During the implementation plan, the roles of the ministry and that of NPA were further explained.

South Sudan Rural Development Programme (SORUDEV) is designed in a way that sustainability of the programme would be ensured when NPA finally pulled out. NPA’s experience in implementing similar activities in the past showed that imposed institutions easily fallout when the project‘s implementation ends. Given this fact, the project will build on previous efforts of similar projects with funding from the EU for instance; SPCRP and AFIS.

The project will be guided by the National Agriculture and Livestock Extension Policy (NALEP). In this regard, NPA designed to fit into the state level as such this programme will be based in the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at the State level and County Agriculture Departments at Counties level.

This way, NPA will engage and work very closely with the ministry’s extension staff in the project as counterparts. As the project engage the Ministry Staff in the day to day operation of the project, their implementation capacity will be built. At the end of the project, the ministry staff will ensure continuity.

Agricultural extension service delivery At the core of the extension service delivery are the 32 Payam – level extension agents that will be engaged from each of Counties and State ministry to the project to work at Payam- level. NPA will build in its experience of working with government extension agents in its various projects. An initial effort to ensure the extension staff have the basic agriculture technical skills and knowledge to provide the required extension and training during the project is already underway as 16 of these extension agent were sent to NPA run Agriculture and Training Centre in Yei (YATC) for basic agriculture training immediately after the project launch. Continuous on job trainings to build their capacity on extension methodologies, facilitation skills and agriculture will be done aiming at leaving a cadre of agriculturist at Payam level that could identify emerging agricultural challenges and seek solution.

A written MOU has been formulated together with the State Ministry on the roles & responsibilities of NPA & the Ministry with eventual re-absorption of the extension staff. During the implementation period of the project, the extension staff will be supported with allowances (as a top up to their salaries), transport & communication capacities. This is a tested & tried formula NPA has used in other States to actively engage government extension staff & build their implementation capacity.

Animal Traction The project is designed to use a Community Ox plough Training (COT) approach that is self- sustaining. On the front lines of the promotion of the technology are the COTs that are selects by fellow farmers at village level. They will be trained as trainers. The COTs will provide training

Cardno Consortium Annex 8| 2 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

services to the community on voluntary and with minimum cost arranged and decided by them. The approach will leave authorities on animal tractions and skilled trainers at village level for the continuous promotion of the technology after the end of the project.

The Animal Traction centres will be used to train COTs, and farmers in new animal drawn implements. This centre will be managed by the project in partnership with the State Ministry of Agriculture. The State Ministries capacity to manage it will be built during the project period. The Centres will be phased over to the ministry at the end of the Project period.

The local blacksmith that will be trained and equipped by the project will ensure that skills are available to repair and maintain the implements at village level. This will ensure the sustainable utilization of the technology. The two Rural Blacksmith Workshops will be run, managed and owned by blacksmith groups who are already engaged in the repair and manufacturing of plough parts.

The CAHW approach in the state had been introduced during the 21 years of war. The CAHWs will receive training on animal health and management of drugs. The CAHWs will be linked with private and community veterinary pharmacies to continue providing animal health services after the project ends. The Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries will be engaged in monitoring and supervision of the CAHWs for quality control. NPA will link the CAHWs with FAO pastoralist field Schools project so that they have effective link with the vet drug suppliers.

Value Chain Actors The value chain actors include 24 producer groups, 12 agro-processing groups and 12 input/output market groups, 8 private/ community vet pharmacies. Following the principle that imposed institutions will not last, the Project will identify existing groups engaged in respective activity to benefit from the project. The Groups’ technical and managerial skills; lobbying/ advocacy skills, and their access to markets will be improved during the project period. Their financial capacity will also be improved to play active role in input/ output marketing and vet service provision & linked to suppliers.

8 County and a State level farmer association and union will be capacitated for lobbying, advocacy and policy influence on matters affecting smallholder farmers and other stakeholders; Farmer organizations will have a better capacity with improved bargaining power to negotiate with traders for fair prices for their produce. As the associations will be member based, their financial sustainability will be ensured through members contributions. By developing their lobbying and advocacy capacity, the associations/ union will be able to mobilize external resources for their activities after the end of the project.

Target groups in the project area: The target groups are active participants of the project implementation. They are also the direct recipients of project inputs and resources (users of knowledge resources). They provide information and data which is used for planning, review monitoring and finally project evaluation. In as much as the project aims at improving their situation, they are also important contributors to ascertain the impact of the project on their situation. The project will maintain close contacts with all the target groups. County Agriculture Departments (CADs): The County Agriculture Departments are key partners in the implementation of the action. They will assist in identification and organization of various target groups. CADs will also assist in providing extension agents as counterparts on secondment basis to the project. They will play key role in the follow up and implementation of the exit strategy as the project gradually phases out. The counterparts’ ministry staff will be based in the CAD offices and Payam agriculture offices in the Counties and Payams.

Cardno Consortium Annex 8| 3 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

State Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Animal Resources and Fisheries: The SMAF have key role in supporting the implementation of the project. It will provide office space for the project coordination in the State. The ministry will also play key role in the follow up of implementation of the project activities and ensures that exit strategy is followed as the project gradually phases out its activities in the State. State ministry will assign the most appropriate departments to closely coordinate implementation of activities with the NPA project staff. The Lakes State department of cooperatives and rural development is expected to assist in formalizing farmers’ organizations, associations and cooperatives as they emerge. The European Union Delegation to the Republic of South Sudan: The EU is the main donor to this project. It will play a key role in providing the required funding and important guidelines for implementation, monitoring, evaluation, audit and other important issues. Key personnel will be invited in some of the most important occasions such as project launch, annual Stakeholders’ Forum, and short visits to local institutions supported by the project as a sign of real partnership with target groups. Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA): NPA has a special role as a responsible organization for implementation of the action and its provisions such as conducting baseline surveys, evaluation, financial management, promoting visibility actions and other tasks. NPA will play a leading role as the main implementer of this action in Lakes State including providing guidelines and updating extension packages in consultation with the State Ministry and other implementing partners.

It will facilitate important events such as project launch, annual stakeholders’ forum and annual project review. NPA will coordinate with other implementation partners of SORUDEV in the neighbouring States to facilitate experience sharing & lesson learnt on important issues. NPA will participate actively in the quarterly coordination meetings on a rotational basis.

Coordination and Synergies with other projects The action is part of the SORUDEV’s smallholder component which is being implemented in the neighbouring States of Western Bahr el Ghazal, Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Warrap states. NPA recognizes the importance of coordinating with other partners implementing the smallholder component in the other three states of Bahr el Ghazal to ensure exchange of experience, share information & expertise to create synergy & achieve the project goals.

NPA will take an active role in organizing & hosting a meeting in October this year and subsequent years for partners to share experiences, challenges & lesson learned. NPA will also put an effort to build on the success of SPCRP to develop further capacities of State authorities to facilitate their role of monitoring & evaluation of the provision of agriculture extension services; NPA therefore will coordinate and involve the State Ministry right from the planning to the final stage of project completion. The SORUDEV small holder component project achievements will greatly complement and contribute to the larger objectives of the Lakes state.

Functional linkages will be established between the EU-funded Agriculture and Food Information Systems (AFIS) project and the various producer and value chain groups of this action. Synergies are expected between these groups: Producer and value chain groups will provide information and data to the AFIS while AFIS will share such production information to market actors on one side and share relevant market information and data to the groups to make informed and strategic market decisions, particularly on when and where to market their produce. NPA will coordinate with the Pastoral Field School Project of FAO in the State to create synergy. Coordination efforts will include exchange of skills & experience in regards to Field Schools. NPA will include successful PFSs in the revolving grant & agribusiness training.

Cardno Consortium Annex 8| 4 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

NPA has excellent working relationship with FAO demonstrated in Technical Assistant provided to FAO’s Upper Nile Small Grant management activities.

In the phase out plan, NPA will gradually handover the supervision of the following institutions and equipment to Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry:

Institutions i) Community based loan scheme institutions ii) Producer groups and cooperatives iii) Village saving loan associations iv) Agro-dealers and associations

Equipment i) Three hardtops land cruisers ii) Eight motor bikes iii) Ten computer desktops iv) Ten printers-cum-scanners and copiers

Cardno Consortium Annex 8| 5 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Annex 9 Logical Framework

Sources and means of Intervention logic Objectively verifiable indicators of achievement Assumptions verification

To contribute to increased food State government annual Other actors (government ministries & Overall security, reduced vulnerability and 20% increase in households rating of Food security reports, UN FAO/WFP/UNDP, partners) will work towards attaining an objectives enhanced livelihoods of rural situation in Lakes State. (Baseline 8%) CFSAM & Food Security increased food security, reduced households in South Sudan. assessment reports vulnerability and enhanced livelihoods Security situation remains stable, Weather factors remain normal

External project evaluation Preconditions: 50% increase in Agricultural Crop production/ Yield of Increased agricultural production & reports Availability of extension agents through target groups in Lakes State. income of smallholder farmers in CADs and State ministry Stable security Specific (Baseline 0.7ton/hh) Lakes State through strengthening Specific household surveys situation allowing extension agents’ and objective extension services that effectively farmers’ movements 50% increase in Average HH Incomes of target groups reaches smallholders. Review of reports in Lakes state (Baseline: 876 SSP/Annum) Risks to consider: Availability of COTs and Stable security situation allowing COTs’ and farmers’ movements Project officers report, NPA Assessment & Monitoring reports, Extension follow up reports, Project field level mid-year and annual 75 % of targeted small holder farmers adopted improved site observations reports Result 1: R1 – Increased adoption agronomic practices from the defined extension Baseline report, inception report of good practices that increase packages (Baseline: 25%) Payam Supervisors extension Training reports, quarterly reports Expected production & reduce production reports; Post harvest 85% reduction of post-harvest losses by targeted small Defined county specific extension results 1 losses through strengthened assessment reports holder groups (Baseline loss: 50%) packages; Extension services delivery system Extension officer& Payam Extension in the 8 Counties of Lakes State. 50% increase of small holder farmers accessing State ministry and CAD workers monthly, quarterly reports extension services (Baseline: 12%) annual reports; Independent Project review document, Implementation Mid-term & end-of- project planning report evaluation reports.

Cardno Consortium Annex 9| 6 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Sources and means of Intervention logic Objectively verifiable indicators of achievement Assumptions verification

20% increase of smallholders farmers using ox plough Animal traction officer quarterly reports Animal traction officer report, (Baseline 45%) Extension workers monthly, quarterly COT reports, reports Result 2: R2 – Increased adoption 75% increase in average area cultivated by targeted Training reports, quarterly reports of animal traction amongst small holder farmers through use of ox-plough Monitoring reports; Project Expected COT reports, Training reports, quarterly smallholder farmers in 8 Counties (Baseline 2 Feddan/hh) reports, results 2 reports of Lakes state to increase 20% increase of small holders using animal traction for Delivery notes, B/smith workshop reports, cultivation area and crop production Field visits, Pre harvest other farming activities in addition to cultivation. Eg ox- quarterly reports assessment/Report, drawn cart, weeder, planters etc Animal traction centre report, quarterly

Baseline: none) reports Pre harvest assessment/ 25 % increase in number of targeted smallholder farmers report; Project terminal accessing inputs from local input suppliers reports, (Baseline: 2%) Agribusiness officers Result 3: R3 - Improved market 25 % increase in marketing of produce through local quarterly reports; Market Agribusiness officer quarterly reports, Expected access & linkages among value marketers. (Baseline: 31%) Assessment/Report; State Quarterly Project reports results 3 chain actors & producer groups in 8 50% increase of small holder farmers’ participation in ministry and CAD annual Counties of Lakes state. farmers institutions (Baseline: 7.5%) reports,

75% increase in VSLA use by producer groups ( Base Farmer organisations line: none) membership records,

Cardno Consortium Annex 9| 7 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Activities 1.1 - Conduct baseline survey of small holders 1.2. - Identification, training and deployment of 32 extension workers 1.3. - Develop and adapt extension packages to 8 counties with location specific needs in consultation with State Ministry 1.4. - Identify & organize 3200 smallholder farmers into extension groups 1.5. - Provide extension services & training to 320 smallholder extension groups based on extension packages identified 1.6. - Conduct an annual State-level project review 2.1. Identification, training and deploying 2 Animal traction supervisors & 4 trainers 2.2. Identification, training, equipping and deploying 138 community ox plough trainers (COTs) 2.3. Identification, training, equipping 48 local blacksmith 2.4. Identification, mobilisation and training of 1200 smallholder farmers interested in animal traction; 2.5. Facilitate the supply of equipment & raw materials for the production of animal traction implements for two Blacksmith workshops 2.6. Establish 2 Animal Traction Centres to provide training and technical backstopping to COTs and small holder farmers 2.7. Promotion of nursery/tree planting in the animal traction centres 3.1. Identify, organize & provide technical & skills and organizational development skills to 24 producer groups, 12 agro-processing groups, 8 vet pharmacies and 12 input/output market actors 3.2. Formation of 8 county loan and technical committees to disburse loans to Producer groups, agro processing groups, vet pharmacies and input/output suppliers 3.3. Facilitate the formation & operationalization of 8 County level farmers’ associations and 1 State level farmers’ union 3.4.Facilitate the formation Community-based Loan Schemes in 8 Counties 3.5. Facilitate business plan development and provision of revolving grant to 48 Agri-business groups 3.6. Organize state-level annual stakeholder forum with a view to launch lobby and advocacy 3.7. Train producer groups on VSLA and setting up saving activities

Costs (SEE BUDGET FOR DETAILS) Human Resources Staff Training €775,407; Human Resources: €775,407; TRAVEL Travel: €37,440; Operational facilities €37,440; Equipment & Supplies: €143,360; EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES Local Office: €202,500 Equipment 143,360 Other costs & services: €59,000; LOCAL OFFICE Other: Extension delivery €214,696, €202,500 Animal traction promotion:€294,015, OTHER COSTS, SERVICES Farmer organisation & Market actors: €239,888; €59,000; SORUDEV Partner coordination W/shop: €11,940 OTHER (Activity Costs) Contingency: €98,897; Extension delivery €214,696, Indirect cost: €145,379.1; Animal traction promotion:€294,015, Total: €2,222,22 Farmer organisation & Market actors: €239,888; SORUDEV Training Partner coordination W/shop: €11,940

Cardno Consortium Annex 9| 8 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Annex 10 Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Who? What information? How? Users Area of Indicator Data collection Frequency Persons Format and Responsible monitoring tool/method of data responsible frequency of person for collection for data reporting reporting collection Donor/ Overall 20% increase in house rating of food security situation in State End of Evaluators EU format Management Government Objectives Lakes State (baseline 8%) government project Juba and other (Impact) annual reports, Annually interested UN, CFSAM & stakeholders Food Security Assessment Reports Management Specific 50% increase in agricultural crop production/yield of target External project Annually Supervisor EU format Project officer / (Juba/Oslo) Objective groups in Lakes State (baseline 0.7ton/hh) evaluation coordinator Coordination (Outcome) 50% increase in average hh incomes of target groups in report Quarterly Extension Quarterly Lakes State (baseline 678 SSP/Annum) Specific workers household survey Review reports

Coordination/ Results 1.1 75% of targeted smallholder farmers adopted improved Reports Monthly Extension Internal format Project officers Management (Outputs) agronomic practices from the developed extension packages (including workers Project officers (baseline 25%) monitoring, Quarterly 1.2 85% reduction of post-harvest losses by targeted progress, quarterly Supervisors smallholder groups (baseline 12%) quarterly) 1.3 50% increase of smallholder farmers accessing extension Internal services (baseline 12%) template

2.1 20% increase of smallholder farmers using ox plough (baseline 45%) 2.2 4 Fedd/hh increase in average area cultivated by targeted smallholder farmers through use of ox plough (baseline 2 Fedd/hh) 2.3 20% increase of smallholders using animal traction for other farming activities in addition to cultivation. E.g. ox drawn cart, weeder, planters (baseline none)

Cardno Consortium Annex 10| 1 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Who? What information? How? Users Area of Indicator Data collection Frequency Persons Format and Responsible monitoring tool/method of data responsible frequency of person for collection for data reporting reporting collection 3.1 25% increase in number of targeted smallholder farmers accessing inputs from local input suppliers (baseline 2%) 3.2 25% increase in marketing of produce through local marketers (baseline 31%) 3.3 50% increase of smallholder farmers’ participation in farmers institutions (baseline 7.5%) 3.4 75% increase in VSLA use by producer groups (baseline none) 4.1 Result statement: Increased adoption of good practices that Consultants, NPA Quarterly Project staff increase production & reduce production losses through operational Assessment Consultant report format strengthened Extension services delivery system in the 8 facilities & Enumerators Counties of Lakes State Staff training, monitoring Extension Consultant supplies report, workers Survey tool 4.1.1 conduct baseline survey of smallholders project field Supervisors (external) 4.1.2 identification, training and development of 24 extension level mid- ATC staff Extension workers year and COTs workers / 4.1.3 develop and adopt extension package to 8 Counties annual Project Developed Supervisors with location specific needs in collaboration with State reports officers template for Ministry Baseline ATC staff reporting 4.1.4 identification & organization of 320 farmer groups report, Agri-business Supervisors / 4.1.5 provide extension service and training of 320 farmer inception staff project officer groups based on developed extension package report 4.1.6 conduct an annual state level review Training reports, Result statement: Increased adoption of animal traction quarterly amongst smallholder farmers in 8 Counties of Lakes state to reports increase cultivation area and crop production:

4.2.1 identification, training and deploying 2 animal traction supervisors & 4 trainers 4.2.2 identification, training and equipping of 138 community oxen trainers (COTs) 4.2.3 identification, training and equipping of 48 local blacksmith 4.2.4 identification, mobilization and training of 1200

Cardno Consortium Annex 10| 2 Support to implementing partners of SORUDEV, ZEAT-BEAD and FSTP Monitoring Report December 2015: NPA

Who? What information? How? Users Area of Indicator Data collection Frequency Persons Format and Responsible monitoring tool/method of data responsible frequency of person for collection for data reporting reporting collection smallholder farmers increased in animal traction 4.2.5 facilitate supply of equipment and raw material for the production of animal traction implements for two blacksmith workshop 4.2.6 establishment of 2 animal traction centres to provide training and technical backstopping to COTs and smallholder farmers 4.2.7 identification, training of 80 community animal health workers (CAHWs) 4.2.8 promotion of nursery tree planting in the animal traction centres

Result Statement: Improved market access & linkages among value chain actors & producer groups in 8 Counties of Lakes state.

4.3.1 identify, organize and provide technical skills and organizational development skills to 24 producer groups, 12 agro-processing groups, 8 vet pharmacies and 12 input/output market actors 4.3.2 formation of 8 County based loan and technical committees to disburse loans to producer groups, agro- processing groups, vet pharmacies, and input/output suppliers 4.3.3 facilitate formation & operationalization of 8 County level farmer associations and 1 State level farmer union 4.3.5 facilitate business plan development and provision of revolving grant to 48 agri-business groups 4.3.6 organize State level annual stakeholder forum with a view to launch lobby and advocacy 4.3.7 train producer groups on VSLA and setting up saving activities

Cardno Consortium Annex 10| 3